Biology

Aerodactyl is a reptilian, bipedal Pokémon with large, membranous wings. It has sharply pointed ears and a fierce expression with intense eyes. Its snout is ridged, with a gaping mouth and strong lower jaw full of serrated fangs. Its body is covered in light violet-gray skin with violet wings. Aerodactyl's wings consist of a membrane running from the side of the body to the tip of an elongated finger. The clawed hands at the bend of each wing allow it to grasp objects. A hump-like ridge grows from its back and it has a strong, arrow-tipped tail. Its talon-like feet are capable of scooping up and tightly clutching its prey in flight.

When Aerodactyl Mega Evolves, its body begins to turn to stone, which some researchers claim is its original appearance before fossilization.[1] It grows larger in size and sprouts jagged black spikes all over its body. There are five spikes at the wrist joint of each wing, replacing its hands. Three small spikes grow along the tail, and the spine on its back has become large and stony. The rear talons of the feet have also turned black. Its chin and ears are each decorated with a large spike, with rocky plates marking its eyebrows and the corners of its jaw. Similar stone ornaments are present on its chest on its torso: two small marks flanking a longer mark. Its irises have changed to a dark green color.

Due to the sharp appearance of Aerodactyl's fangs, it was originally thought to be exclusively a carnivore. However, the anime shows it joyfully consuming fruit. Its serrated fangs and ferocious attitude are nevertheless very imposing, and it is said to be capable of effortlessly ripping out enemies' throats. With its impressive wings, Aerodactyl fearlessly soars high in the skies, freely letting out its high-pitched cries. When at rest it enjoys the safety and seclusion of the mountains where it likes to nest. Aerodactyl is extant using Fossil revitalization, but is considered extinct in the wild.

Fossils of Kabutops and Aerodactyl were resurrected by Annie and Oakley in Pokémon Heroes; in the English dub, they were once used by an evil Pokémon Trainer to torment the civilians of Alto Mare, but were drowned when a Latios brought water to the city. They were sent to chase after Ash and Latias. They have blank, yellow-tinted eyes with no pupils and are lined with a thick black outline.

In the manga

In the How I Became a Pokémon Card manga

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Red obtains an Aerodactyl from a resurrected piece of Old Amber which he revives in Holy Moltres and names it Aero. He has since then used it extensively for aerial transportation and combat. Another appeared as a silhouette in the Holy Moltres in Blaine's fantasy of what the Old Amber would turn into when it was revived.

Lance has his own Aerodactyl that he also uses for aerial transportation and combat which first appeared in Extricated from Exeggutor. He also owns multiple other Aerodactyl which were used in his Dragon-type army that were used to attack the mainlands of Kanto. They first appeared in Playing Horsea.

Mega Aerodactyl has the highest base Speed stat of all Rock-type Pokémon.

Mega Aerodactyl has the highest base state total of all Fossil Pokémon.

During its first appearance in Attack of the Prehistoric Pokémon, it was mentioned that Aerodactyl was carnivorous, based on its teeth (and the reactions of the other Fossil Pokémon when it arrived). However, in Putting the Air Back in Aerodactyl, it is shown and proven to be at least omnivorous, based on its joyful consumption of fruit.

Origin

It appears to be based upon pterosaurs, prehistoric flying reptiles, particularly the rhamphorhynchoidea branch, due to Aerodactyl's possession of teeth and a long tail. It also seems to possess some dragon-like characteristics, such as that of a wyvern, a two legged variety of dragon, which would explain its being on Lance's team.